Anthony "Tony" James Bonanno

He was born Jan. 15, 1922, in Calabria, Italy.

He was the son of Paul and Flavia Greco Bonanno, who are both deceased. His stepmother, Mary Mark Bonanno, is also deceased.

He was an amateur boxer in his teens until he hurt his right arm. He loved sports, especially the Ohio State football teams and the New York Yankees.

In October 1942, he and his cousin Joe Bonanno joined the Army Air Force. He went to the Asiatic theater, instead of Europe, because he did not want to fight his fellow Italians. He earned the Asiatic Ribbon with Bronze Star, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Ribbon and WWII Victory medal.

Some of his fellow WWII solders called him a "Good Luck Charm" because any plane that he was in never was shot down and always landed safely. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

He worked at US Steel in McDonald from 1946 until his retirement in July 1981.

He married Thelma Cicero Bonanno in 1946. She died in September 1972. Together, they had two daughters, Tina J. Bonanno of Warren and Paula M. Bonanno of Niles. He also helped her raise her three boys, Michael J. (Joyce) Bonanno of California, John J. Bonanno (deceased) and James "Jim" (Linda) Bonanno of Columbus.

He leaves one brother, Robert J. Bonanno; seven grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Fran Cicero of Niles; several cousins; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at Vista Care of the Ridge and the Manor for all their care and kindness during Tony's stay, especially Missy Brewer.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial 2 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, at St. Stephen Church in Niles, with the Rev. James Korda as celebrant. There will be a viewing prior to the Mass from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. Monday at Holloway-Williams Funeral Home, 611 Robbins Ave. in Niles. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery, Niles.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like any monetary contributions be made to the Dementia / Alzheimer's Association. The funeral home will provide the information.

Family and friends may visit www.hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com to view this obit and send condolences to the Bonanno family